ATU Students Unveil Jaw-Dropping Recycling Campaign—You Won't Believe the Shocking Results!

In a concerted effort to promote recycling awareness in Russellville, Arkansas, twenty-four students from Arkansas Tech University (ATU) have embarked on a semester-long project aimed at developing a comprehensive public education campaign. This initiative is part of an interdisciplinary project-based learning (IPBL) course combining senior-level classes in sociology and public relations.

The driving force behind the campaign is the observation that while many residents in Russellville express interest in recycling, they often lack the knowledge necessary to participate effectively. “We found that most people in Russellville are interested in recycling and care about recycling, but they don’t really know how to do it, where to put their recycling or what they’re supposed to recycle,” stated Madelyn Atkins, an ATU student from Beebe.

Under the guidance of Dr. Julie Mikles-Schluterman, a sociology professor and director of the ATU Center for Community Engagement and Academic Outreach, alongside Megan Toland, an associate professor of journalism, the students have been assigned specific tasks. These include branding recycling concepts for the city and promoting these ideas through social media platforms. Additionally, they have engaged with local K-12 classrooms to share recycling education firsthand.

“We realized that people need recycling put into simple terms,” shared Ellie Stokes from Dardanelle. “It’s hard to know what you can and what you can’t recycle. We’ve created logos and buttons…a bunch of visual aids…because people love pictures, especially on social media. We have everything from brochures to graphics so the city can continue using those in the future.”

The culmination of their efforts will take place on April 16, 2026, when the ATU class presents their findings and recommendations to the Russellville City Council at City Hall. The community engagement and educational outreach is particularly timely, coinciding with the upcoming establishment of a new recycling drop-off location at 1801 S. Knoxville Ave., which will accept materials like cardboard, paper, aluminum cans, steel cans, and glass. Plans for bi-annual electronic waste recycling events are also in the works.

For Khloi Turner, also from Dardanelle, this experience has illuminated the potential for community growth through collaboration. “I did not know much about recycling, and I didn’t think our city was ready to recycle... it has been eye opening in terms of how our planet is doing at the current state and what we can do to benefit it later,” she remarked. The students are also set to participate in an Earth Day celebration on April 25, 2026, at James School Park, where they will provide engaging activities and information to further promote recycling efforts.

The significance of their work has not gone unnoticed. Sara Jondahl, director of sustainability and resilience for the City of Russellville, praised the ATU students, stating, “They’ve been asking questions and learning everything they can about recycling so they can accurately explain and display that information for the community. This is going to be instrumental in helping everyone in the community know what they can and cannot recycle so we can reduce contamination rates, especially as we launch a new drop-off location.”

Construction on the new recycling center is expected to begin on or before April 20, 2026, an endeavor that further emphasizes the city’s commitment to sustainability. For students like Turner, witnessing this growth fosters a deep sense of community pride. “I did not realize how great of a community we have and how much our community is growing and moving forward,” she noted. “As someone who has been at Tech for almost four years, it’s beautiful to see where our community is going. It’s amazing to be part of the change and grow the change in other people.”

This collaborative educational campaign not only aims to equip Russellville residents with the tools needed to recycle effectively but also serves as a model for how academic institutions can engage with local communities to foster sustainable practices.